What Do I Need to Ride a Horse? Complete List for Beginner to Advanced
One of the most frequently asked questions by those new to horse riding is: what exactly do I need to ride a horse? The answer depends on your level, discipline, and whether you own a horse or ride at a school. In this guide, we give you the complete list.
Minimum Mandatory Riding Equipment
These items are essential for your safety. You should not get on a horse without them:
1. Riding Helmet (Mandatory)
The helmet is the most important piece of equipment. It must be certified with at least one of these standards:
- VG1 01.040 2014-12 — Standard European norm
- EN1384:2023 — 2023 update with higher requirements
- ASTM F1163 — American standard (very good protection)
Price: 40€ - 300€ | Recommended for beginners: HKM, EQR | For competition: Uvex, KEP
2. Footwear with Heel (Mandatory)
You need footwear with a heel of at least 2 cm to prevent your foot from slipping through the stirrup. Options:
- Field boots or dress boots — The most correct for riding
- Paddock boots + half chaps — A comfortable and versatile alternative
- Wellies — For rainy days or the stable
3. Riding Breeches
Normal pant fabric will wear out with friction and doesn't provide grip. Riding breeches have:
- Seamless interior in contact areas
- Elastic fabric for freedom of movement
- Silicone or leather on knee/thigh for grip
Recommended Equipment for Greater Comfort and Safety
4. Riding Gloves
They protect hands from rein chafing and improve grip, especially with horses that pull. Price: 15-50€.
5. Safety Vest / Body Protector
Especially recommended for:
- Young or lightly trained horses
- Field work or cross-country
- Beginners and children (highly recommended)
Minimum certification: BETA 2018 Level 3. For jumping and cross-country: Level 3 minimum.
6. Airbag Vest
The evolution of the traditional vest. It inflates automatically upon detecting a fall. Price: 300-700€. Highly recommended for competition.
Equipment for Intermediate Level
When you've been riding for 6-12 months, consider adding:
- Whip — Leg aid for dressage work. Length according to discipline (dressage: 120cm, jumping: 65cm)
- Spurs — Only when you have enough balance and leg technique
- Competition vest — If you start competing in local shows
- Show attire — White or beige breeches, show jacket
If You Own Your Own Horse: Horse Equipment
Basic Horse Equipment
| Item | Purpose | Approx. Price |
|---|---|---|
| Halter | Stable control, groundwork | 20-80€ |
| Bridle + bit | Riding with reins | 50-200€ |
| Saddle | The central piece of equipment | 150-2,000€+ |
| Girth | Secures the saddle to the horse | 30-120€ |
| Stirrups + leathers | Rider's foot support | 30-150€ |
| Saddle pad/blanket | Protects the horse's back | 20-100€ |
| Boots or bandages | Protect tendons during work | 30-100€ |
| Stable blanket | Warmth in winter or after exercise | 40-200€ |
Stable Equipment
- Lunge line and cavesson — For groundwork
- Chambon or German martingale — For advanced groundwork
- Shipping boots — For trailer or truck
- Anti-sweat sheet — For travel and transport
Shopping List by Budget
Basic Starter Kit (150-300€)
- ✓ Certified helmet: 60-100€
- ✓ Paddock boots + half chaps: 50-90€
- ✓ Breeches x1: 35-60€
- ✓ Gloves: 20-35€
Complete Beginner Kit (400-700€)
- ✓ All of the above
- ✓ Body protector: 60-150€
- ✓ Additional breeches x1: 35-60€
- ✓ Riding apparel (shirts, sweatshirt): 50-100€
Competition Kit (1,000-2,500€)
- ✓ Certified competition helmet: 100-300€
- ✓ Tall boots: 150-400€
- ✓ White/beige competition breeches: 60-150€
- ✓ Competition jacket: 100-350€
- ✓ Airbag vest: 300-700€
Summary by Rider Type
Riding school / weekly lessons: Helmet + heeled footwear + breeches. The club usually provides the saddle and horse equipment.
Own horse in livery: All rider's equipment + basic bridle, saddle, girth, saddle pad, and protectors for the horse.
Amateur competition: Complete kit plus show attire, airbag vest, and regulatory equipment according to discipline.
Find all the equipment you need at Rincón del Valle, your trusted online equestrian store. Free personalized advice: contact us.
